The Port Adelaide Football Club confirmed today that there was a single verbal incident between Brett Montgomery and Essendon’s Adam Ramanauskas in the Round 1 match last Sunday. Brett Montgomery has issued the following statement:

""In the last quarter of Sunday’s game against Essendon I was involved in a scuffle with Adam Ramanauskas.

""In the heat of the moment and out of frustration I made reference to Adam’s medical treatment.

""My reactionary comments were a spur of the moment thing, and something I regretted immediately.

""I tried to apologise that night, and have since sent a letter of apology to Adam.

""I certainly feel for what Adam has gone through and respect his efforts to get back and play football at the highest level.

""Again, I apologise for saying what I did, but reiterate it was done in the heat of the moment and it was not meant to hurt Adam personally.

""I have been fined by the club under the AFL’s Code of Conduct and believe that is appropriate.""